Methods and apparatus for controllable coupling of an electromagnetic wave

A coupler, comprising:

• a first member coupled to a transmission medium;
• a first component coupled to the first member at a proximal end of the first member, wherein the first component comprises a first transmitter;
• a second member coupled to the transmission medium;
• and
• a second component coupled to the second member at a proximal end of the second member,
• wherein the second component comprises a second transmitter,
• wherein the first component facilitates transmission of first signals via the first member,
• wherein the second component facilitates transmission of second signals via the second member,
• wherein the first member is decoupled from the second member, and
• wherein the first signals and the second signals induce electromagnetic waves that propagate along the transmission medium without requiring an electrical return path.

A coupler, comprising:

• a first member coupled to a transmission medium;
• a first component coupled to the first member at a proximal end of the first member, wherein the first component comprises a first transmitter;
• a second member coupled to the transmission medium;
• and
• a second component coupled to the second member at a proximal end of the second member,
• wherein the second component comprises a second transmitter,
• wherein the first component facilitates receiving first signals via the first member,
• wherein the second component facilitates receiving second signals via the second member,
• wherein the first member is decoupled from the second member, and
• wherein the first signals and the second signals are generated from electromagnetic waves that propagate along the transmission medium without requiring an electrical return path.